How much does camping cost at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Camping fees at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) range from $12-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) first-come first-served or reservation?

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) before I book?

Yes! Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) is open April 01 to November 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Cell phone service at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) have?

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

Fire policies at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit): Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.47

243 reviews

825 AVENUE E, ELY, NV, 89301, USA

Top 15% in NVFall

Great HikingTent Camping

Featured in:RV Camping Nevada#3 Desert Camping Nevada#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Nevada#3 +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$12 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$12 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

$12.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SITE A: $75.00; GROUP SITE B: $50.00; GROUP SITE C: $50.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $12.00; S&P RV Nonelectric: $12.00; S&P Standard: $12.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

775-289-3031

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

825 AVENUE E, ELY, NV, 89301, USA

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

825 AVENUE E, ELY, NV, 89301, USA

Nearby places

Ely (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving time)

Weather at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

Current alerts(5)

Additional first-come, first-serve campsites may be available within the campground
All individual sites can accomodate for a Tent or RV.
Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, motorcycles, and side-by-sides) are only allowed on the main campground road
Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water youâll need for your visit, including drinking water.

Best Time to Camp at Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable cool weather, low crowds and peak wildlife activity—ideal for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs in September and early October around 55–70°F and crisp nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F, which make for comfortable trail conditions and excellent stargazing. Vegetation at this elevation takes on subtle autumn colors and deer/elk movements increase (rutting season), while visitor numbers usually decline after Labor Day for Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in NV

Fall cited as best season: cool days (55–70°F), cold nights, fewer crowds — prime for hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from May 15 to September 30 for reservations, with first-come-first-served availability in shoulder season.

About Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

Ward Mountain Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, a short drive from Ely. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in a well-maintained setting with spacious sites and accessible trails.

Ward Mountain Campground accommodates tent, RV, and group camping. It includes single-family sites and three large group sites that can host up to 100 people. Primitive camping is not explicitly described.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable cool weather, low crowds and peak wildlife activity—ideal for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs in September and early October around 55–70°F and crisp nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F, which make for comfortable trail conditions and excellent stargazing. Vegetation at this elevation takes on subtle autumn colors and deer/elk movements increase (rutting season), while visitor numbers usually decline after Labor Day for Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPinyon pines and junipers create natural privacy screens between sites across terrain that rises toward Ward Mountain's 10,800-foot summit. The high desert landscape mixes weathered rock formations with native vegetation typical of the Egan Range. Sites offer partial shade and mountain views. The geology tells an ancient story: this area was once covered by seas before tectonic forces pushed the mountains upward. The vegetation clings to slopes carved over millions of years, creating habitat where Great Basin species thrive.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available at this campground. The campground primarily caters to tent, RV, and group campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park offers historic stone ovens and an interpretive trail, providing opportunities for cultural and educational exploration.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites accommodate tent or RV use
group sites can host up to 100 people.

Groups

The group sites can accommodate up to 100 or more people. They include picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills, with proximity to vault toilets and trash collection.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and picnic areas. The layout of the campsites ensures privacy, and the relatively flat terrain makes it suitable for campers seeking easy accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites are reported to be large and spacious, offering separate areas for tents and RVs. "Sites were nice and spaced out with greenery for privacy" and "Sites are large, and very clean," noted several campers.

PrivacyThe sites provide semi-private to private camping experiences, as described: "Separated by junipers and pines," "Spacious sites with greenery for privacy," and "For as many spots as there are you still feel basically alone.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in Loop WMRV provide semi-private large camp spaces ideal for tents or small RVs.

Best CampsitesSite 023 in Loop WMRV gets praise for being quiet and well-maintained. Group sites work well for large gatherings. Standard sites are large enough for separate tent and RV areas, with enough spacing that you'll feel basically alone despite the campground's size.

Need help booking Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ward Mountain Campground (Murray Summit) offers a range of amenities that cater to individual and group campers. It features picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills at all campsites, along with vault toilets and trash collection. Drinking water is provided during the peak summer season; however, there have been consistent reports of water being unavailable due to pump issues. "Currently NO WATER so come prepared," noted a recent user review. Other facilities include group cooking facilities, an amphitheater, and accessible picnic areas. A campground host is present during the summer months to assist campers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ward Mountain Campground offers a rich variety of outdoor activities for campers, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail network features extensive routes through scenic high desert terrain. Wildlife viewing and horseshoe pits are also available.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided on-site, as indicated in the official description and several user reviews like "Trash dumper available." Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service appears to be available for certain providers, as suggested by a user review: "Verizon cell service. Separate area for big RVs so tent campers won't have to listen to their generators."

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

243 reviews

Recommended

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is generally praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and accessibility to outdoor activities. Common themes include the lack of water, the presence of clean vault toilets, and the quality of hiking and biking trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 243 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, accessible trails, and proximity to Ely for supplies are frequent positives. "One of the cleanest and well-maintained Forest Service campgrounds I have been...

Based on 243 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of water has been consistently noted: "Currently NO WATER so come prepared." Other complaints include occasional generator noise, rowdy group sites, and mild traffic noise from nearby...

Based on 243 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback highlights spacious layouts and cleanliness, with reservations advisable for group sites. A review for site 016 notes, "Clean and orderly campground." For site 028, "This was...

Based on 243 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water due to recurring pump issues; generators may run frequently in certain areas; proximity to Ely allows for quick access to supplies.

Based on 243 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highly recommended due to cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer reviews highlight hot days but cool nights. Winter brings challenges like freezing temperatures and snow....

Based on 243 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cleanest pit toilets I have ever experienced." "Sites are well spaced, separated by junipers and pines." "Dry camping for senior pass is only $4 a night." "Currently NO WATER so come prepared."

Based on 243 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and picnic areas cater to campers with disabilities. "Accessible pit toilets and picnic areas" were highlighted in official descriptions.

Based on 243 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviews warned about stickers and thorns in the area that could affect pets.

Based on 243 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want clean, well-maintained alpine camping close to town with good trail access and room to spread out.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet or want to avoid occasional generator noise and group activity.

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Campgrounds

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit)

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit) sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>There are 33 campsites, including nine back-in and three pull-thru RV sites. These sites also have picnic tables, campfire rings, and BBQ pedestals. At this campground, recreation activities include mountain/road biking, backpack/day hiking, off-highway vehicle riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. </p><p> </p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,400 ft. The campground has three separate camping areas in Pinyon pine and juniper. The first area is a snug, small 10-site loop with most of the campground's pull-throughs. The next area, 0.1 miles from campground's entrance on the left, is for large RVs. It has a water spigot at each site and more generous parking areas. The last area, also 0.1 miles from the campground's entrance across from the "RV area," is another loop with numerous back-ins. This loop is well suited for tent campers and is closest to South Trail Head. The campground also has a large area for group day-use which includes a barbeque pit and slightly overgrown ball field. See the many murals in the town of Ely. Humboldt National Forest 323

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day weekend through October 31

RV information

The parking aprons are either gravel or dirt.

Directions

In Ely, NV, at intersection of US Rts. 6/50/93, take Rt. 6 west 6.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left after sign onto gravel road and go 0.2 miles to campground.

National Forest: Humboldt National Forest
Ranger District: Ely
Elevation: 7400
Rate: $8 per day
Maximum Stay: 14